Gelo hà madonna il seno e fiamma il volto

Claudio Merulo was a prominent composer of the late Renaissance. This secular madrigal for SSATTB voices is a fine example of the genre, setting a rich Italian text. The lyrics express a poignant contrast: the beloved's breast is ice, her face aflame, while the singer feels cold outside but burning within. This dichotomy arises because Love resides in her brow and his heart, never changing his abode. Thus, Love is in his eyes, but in her core, creating a passionate internal and external conflict. The intricate vocal writing reflects the emotional turbulence of the text, making it a rewarding challenge for an accomplished choir.